Head trainer Roach had to ease back on his fighters training, anxious his man would peak too early before the March 13 bout at the cowboy’s stadium, Arlington, Texas. When asked how Manny felt about fighting at the venue Roach said his fighter is honoured to be fighting in such a venue, he’s thrilled and it’s given him the extra incentive in his training in his quest to please a packed crowd.
Freddy Roach suggested Pacquiao, 50-3-2, (38) will enter the ring around 149 – 149 ½ pounds on the night of the fight, his opponent Joshua Clotty, 35-3-0. (28), is expected to weigh at least 160 pounds come the night of the fight. When asked if he was concerned with the size difference, roach said “Many is a true welterweight now and will not be fighting below the 147 limit again, if Clottey comes in at 160 pounds that does not concern me, it will only slow him down and make our job a whole lot easier.
Manny Pacquaio is said to be in tremendous condition, he reportedly started training at 149 pounds, only two pounds above the contractual weight of 147 pounds.
Sparring
Those who have witnessed the pound for pound king in sparring have been giving glowing reports; some suggest he looks ready to fight tomorrow. The Pac-Man allegedly beat up journeyman Bryan Brooks in four rounds, and almost knocked out Mike Dallas, 11-0, when the 23 year old light welterweight accidently landed a blow south of the border. Roach drafted in a new addition to the Pacquiao sparring sessions, Abdullai Amidu, a welterweight from Ghana who is undefeated with a record of 18-0, (17).
Joshua Clottey
Meanwhile on the east coast Joshua Clottey is preparing himself for the biggest opportunity of his career, one he plans on grabbing with both hands. Without the massive entourage Clottey goes about his business in Florida. “I’m not only bigger I am stronger, I have a game-plane and a motivation to beat Manny Pacquiao” said Clottey “God has given me this opportunity and I will seize that opportunity on the night of March 13. Personally I know he’s worried about me, how big and strong I am; he knows I will present him with a lot of problems, I have worked hard my whole life for this opportunity”
Aftermath
The contractual details are unclear regarding a re-match clause should Pacquiao loose this fight. I’m guessing a fight of this magnitude would have such a clause, not that there would be a need for one. If the Ghanaian Clottey were to win I feel he would happily oblige, another massive pay day and a desire to prove the first win was no upset would be enough to lure both back into the ring. I see only two routes for Pacquiao should he be the victor, the first would be a fight against the winner of Floyd Maywaether vs. Shane Mosley, pencilled in for May 1st, at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada. The other option would be to boost his historic record by winning yet another title in an eight division, light middleweight.
Source: theboxinghistorian.com
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